Lizzo’s new album has become one of the biggest commercial disappointments of the year.
According to Luminate sales data reported by Entertainment Weekly, Lizzo’s new album sold just 2,649 copies during its first week of release. The project failed to crack the Billboard 200 and only reached No. 46 on Billboard’s Top Album Sales chart. During its second week, sales reportedly fell to approximately 650 additional copies.
The numbers represent a dramatic decline from Lizzo’s previous studio album, Special, which debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 in 2022 with roughly 69,000 equivalent units sold.
‘Still Bad’ music video – Lizzo Music, YouTube
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Insiders reportedly told Rolling Stone that eroding fan trust following a series of high-profile lawsuits, combined with a shift toward less radio-friendly music, may have contributed to the disappointing performance. Meanwhile, some social media users have suggested Lizzo alienated part of her audience after distancing herself from the body-positivity movement that helped define her public image.
Lizzo’s Legal Troubles
For much of the late 2010s and early 2020s, Lizzo was one of the music industry’s fastest-rising stars. Songs such as “Truth Hurts” and “About Damn Time” became major hits, helping establish her as a household name. She has won four Grammy Awards and an MTV Video Music Award.
Her success also translated into a massive social media following. Her Instagram account, @lizzobeeating, currently boasts more than 11 million followers.
However, the years leading up to Lizzo’s new album shifted the spotlight off her music and career.
Lizzo at the 65th Grammy Awards – Lizzo Music, YouTube
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Lizzo’s public image began to face serious challenges in 2023 when three former backup dancers filed a civil lawsuit against the singer, her production company, and her dance team captain. The plaintiffs accused Lizzo of harassment and creating a hostile work environment. They also alleged they were pressured into uncomfortable situations at an adult venue in Amsterdam and made claims involving weight-shaming, religious harassment, and discrimination.
Days after the lawsuit was filed, Lizzo responded on social media.
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“These last few days have been gut wrenchingly difficult and overwhelmingly disappointing,” she wrote. “My work ethic, morals and respectfulness have been questioned. My character has been criticized.”
She went on to describe the allegations as “false,” “unbelievable,” and “outrageous.”
Reinvention and Backlash
The accusations quickly generated widespread media coverage and may have damaged Lizzo’s carefully cultivated public image. As the legal battle continued, the singer appeared to embark on a personal reinvention.
Her reported 60-pound weight loss throughout 2024 drew both praise and criticism. While some supporters applauded her measured approach to improving her health, others felt disappointed, arguing that Lizzo had become a symbol of the body-positivity movement and was now moving away from it.
Lizzo on SNL – Lizzo Music, YouTube
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Addressing the criticism in an interview with Women’s Health, Lizzo rejected that interpretation.
“Body positivity has nothing to do with staying the same,” she said. “Body positivity is the radical act of daring to exist loudly and proudly in a society that told you you shouldn’t exist.”
A Difficult Comeback
Whether the lawsuits, her personal transformation, or broader changes in Lizzo’s audience directly caused the new album’s poor performance is impossible to prove. However, the timing is difficult to ignore.
Three years after the allegations first surfaced, Lizzo’s first major comeback attempt has resulted in fewer than 3,000 first-week sales—a stunning result for an artist who was once among the biggest names in pop music.
Why do you think Lizzo’s new album flopped? Sound off in the comments and let us know!
